US officials are saying the joint military operation involving the United States and Israel against Iran is a war after saying they had launched “major combat operations” over the weekend.
The United States and Israel began a joint operation early Saturday Kansas time, striking numerous Iranian military and government sites. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was among several Iranian leaders killed in early attacks. At least four American service members were killed and five wounded during the weekend as Iran counterattacked US military bases and several nearby countries, including Israel. Kuwait says several US warplanes crashed due to apparent friendly fire; all crew members survived.
Iran says the attack violates international laws and the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council says Iran will not negotiate with the United States.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says “We didn’t start this war, but under President Trump, we are finishing it.”
Not surprisingly, oil prices jumped 9-10 percent, pushing Brent crude to nearly $80 a barrel and US crude to $73. Locally, gas prices are currently unchanged from Friday, ranging from $2.45 to $2.59.
Americans are being urged to avoid Lebanon as Israel resumes strikes there. All US military bases in the region are on alert.
Get more on this developing story through KVOE’s national and international news partner, ABC News.
